A Fixed Retainer Requires Daily Oral Hygiene Care

Posted March 16, 2017.

Once you’ve had your braces removed at Orthodontics, Inc., you will still need to use a retainer. This will help offset any residual tension in the periodontal ligaments that anchor each tooth in its particular socket. In most cases, Dr. Joseph A. Wilson recommends wearing a removable Hawley retainer for the upper set of teeth. However, if you had one area of your smile that required significant realignment, particularly your lower front teeth, your orthodontist might also recommend installing a fixed retainer.

This is a custom-shaped metal band that is cemented behind the teeth with a potent dental adhesive. It will secure the teeth in place while they fully adapt to their new positions. You will need to give the fixed retainer and the corresponding teeth a little extra focus in your daily oral hygiene routine. If poor oral hygiene causes excess wear and tear or promotes tooth decay complications, it could increase the amount of time you need to use a retainer.

To help you clean hard-to-reach places, Dr. Joseph A. Wilson might recommend using some special oral hygiene tools.

An interdental brush is a special type of small toothbrush that comes in a few different designs with tapered, angled heads. They can help clean away plaque and residual food particles from hard-to-reach places around the fixed retainer.

A floss threader that has been loaded with waxed dental floss can also be a handy tool. Its loop-shaped design helps insert the strand beneath the fixed retainer, allowing you to effectively remove food material and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline.

You could also try using an oral irrigator jet to clear away stuck food particles in the contours of your teeth. Just keep in mind that this improves the effectiveness of your tooth brush and it cannot effectively replace flossing.

With brushing and flossing techniques complete, you might also want to rinse vigorously with antiseptic mouthwash. This will help kill bacteria while washing away loosened food particles.

If you have questions or concerns about how to clean and maintain your new fixed retainer in Farmington, New Mexico, you can always call (505) 325-8858 to speak to someone at Orthodontics, Inc..